"It's one thing to read about the places where Jesus lived and taught," he said. "It's quite another to see them with your own eyes and touch them with your own hands. Visiting Israel affected me profoundly, and I'll always treasure the experiences I had there."

The trip begins in Tel Aviv, the first Modern Hebrew City and ends in Jerusalem, known as the center of major religions. The J and YMCA have been working closely with the Jewish Community Center Association office based in Israel to ensure that participants not only get to know the land but have many interpersonal encounters that will tie them to Israel's unique communities.

"To provide an interfaith experience in Israel is special," said Elena Dinkin, YMCA Active Older Adult director. "I was moved by my visit to Jerusalem, seeing the Wall, experiencing the preparation for Shabbat and then worshiping at a synagogue. The connection between what I had learned in my studies and then seeing it in person is so meaningful to me. I am looking forward to the opportunity to experience Israel with so many active members of the YMCA and the J."